MPx Comparison Shots

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mysmartphone.no/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=135&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0' target='_blank'>http://www.mysmartphone.no/modules....order=0&thold=0</a><br /><br /></div>I know some of you might be suffering from MPx overload, but for those of us who are looking for every last bit of info from this exciting unit, here's another juicy set of photos. In this situation, Mysmartphone took lots of detailed comparison/side-by-side pictures, which I find useful in getting a better feel for the size. :)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040706-MPxComparison.jpg" />

[brianchris]

Until further notice, this IS the device to beat.

Now, if it will just ever be released, we'll be in good shape.

[Zack Mahdavi]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it. I like having a small PDA. This PDA looks huge. It's incredibly thick, and it doesn't have any symmetry to it.

Regardless, this PDA is definitely a technological marvel. Maybe Motorola will unveil a smaller, cheaper version of the MPX sometime in the future. Then I'll be a lot more interested. :)

[MRNUTTY]

hrm, i didn't know the screen opened two ways...neat. that keyboard looks like a horror to type on though.

[Ed Hansberry]

hrm, i didn't know the screen opened two ways...neat. that keyboard looks like a horror to type on though.Sort of like typing on full screen virtual keyboards on your PPC - except this has a tactile feel.

As to the devices size, quite svelte when closed. It is big open, but that is the tradeoff for the large keyboard and dual hinge design. :-)

[Ryan Joseph]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it.

I'm forced to agree. I like that they compared it to my device...that made it much easier for me. I knew the screen was smaller, but I never imagined it to be that much smaller.

And it does look huge. Now, granted, you won't need a case for it, which will compensate a little bit, but still... 8O

However, this really is an amazing device. The dual hinge design is like something out of Star Trek and I'm sure this will be the perfect "where have you been all my life?" device for many people. Just not me. :mrgreen:

[Janak Parekh]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it. I like having a small PDA. This PDA looks huge. It's incredibly thick, and it doesn't have any symmetry to it.
I don't know. It'll certainly be bigger than, say, a 4150. But you don't need a case because of the flip, which saves quite a bit of thickness... and for a typeable device, I think it's a good compromise.

My officemate likes the idea, but thinks it'll be a bit "long" when held up to your face. The jury's still out on that, but that may be the one concern I have.

--janak

[lapchinj]

...side-by-side pictures, which I find useful in getting a better feel for the size.
While this is probably the most accurate way of visualizing the size of a unit I think that including photos of a unit in someone's hand really puts the size in a better perspective. I know that there are small and big hands but generally one gets fast visual feedback when a unit is in someone's hand. But it's hard to visualize one unit against another unit that I have never seen either uint in person.

For instance I've seen comparison screenshots of the Treo 600, nice but nothing special. When I saw this unit in someone's hand I knew right away that this is the size phone I wanted (right phone, wrong OS :( ). Now once I can visualize the real size I can compare other units against it using screenshots like yours.

Jeff- (just some thoughts on the subject - Pocket PC Thoughts though :wink: .)

[Dennis]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it.

For me, this is exactly the opposite: the more I see it, the more I like it.
Especially that I remember seeing a picture where it was in someone's hand, and it looked small enough.

Do we have an idea of the probable launch date?
I want one!! :wink:

[Phoenix]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it. I like having a small PDA. This PDA looks huge. It's incredibly thick, and it doesn't have any symmetry to it...

I couldn't disagree more. I love the look of this device and can hardly wait until it arrives on the shelves! 8)

[whydidnt]

Thanks for posting the link. It helps put the size in perspective. It is a bit bigger than I was imagining, but still quite a bit shorter than the I-mate and also not quite as wide.

This is one of those things you might want to hold and try for yourself before deciding though. I Wonder if it will be available from and US carriers....

[Zack Mahdavi]

I don't know. It'll certainly be bigger than, say, a 4150. But you don't need a case because of the flip, which saves quite a bit of thickness... and for a typeable device, I think it's a good compromise.

I agree that the thickness is okay for a typeable device. However, I mainly put my PDAs in cases to protect the device from a fall. They're expensive, and therefore, I like to take better care of them. If I ever bought an MPX, I still think I would protect it in a case.

Still, the MPX makes some huge strides to what I would consider the ideal PDA. Only if it was smaller.....

[griph]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it. I like having a small PDA. This PDA looks huge. It's incredibly thick, and it doesn't have any symmetry to it...

I couldn't disagree more. I love the look of this device and can hardly wait until it arrives on the shelves! 8)

Well I suppose in any market there are going to be the likes and the likes not. Personally this unit is a horror and has all the finess and style of a Lada! What ever happened to design aesthetics? And that hinge (whilst ingenious in its function) is a great clunky horror. I cant understand the fuss about this unit. :?

[IpaqMan2]

I think what's important to remember about this device is...
It's a phone First! Than everything else second.
When the now defunct Handspring first released the Treo, in an interview they mentioned that they wanted to create a Phone First, not a PDA, but a Phone that would be used as a typical mobile phone. They said from their own research that people wanted a Mobile phone first, and than everything else was second. And from their success of the Treo I would have to agree that they are on to something with that thought in mind.

I am guessing that this is the approach that Motorola is taking since they are really not a PPC OEM. The MPx is small enough to fit in your pocket, but yet it opens niceley to give the traditional use and feel of a cell phone. With that in mind I find the MPx a perfect delight and a sweet balance between PPC and a mobile phone, and is the first PPC Smart phone that I have seen that has really excited me. And if anyone has Visted Howard Forums recently and looked at the thread about the MPx withover 280,000 visits since the thread began just under 2 weeks ago, I am thinking I may not be alone in my opinion.

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?s=a840d118cd86da55b840227e0b9e2809&threadid=394894

Now...If only Motorola would release it with in a reasonable price. :roll:

[orol]

Honestly, the more pictures I see of this device, the less I like it. I like having a small PDA. This PDA looks huge. It's incredibly thick, and it doesn't have any symmetry to it.

Regardless, this PDA is definitely a technological marvel. Maybe Motorola will unveil a smaller, cheaper version of the MPX sometime in the future. Then I'll be a lot more interested. :)

I feel the same. I was about to switch from Sony Clie UX50. but UX50 is better. is lighter, smaller and more robust. no plastics but magnesium. that makes a hell lot difference.

well, I hope treo ace will be really released in october

[surur]

I think what's important to remember about this device is...
It's a phone First! Than everything else second.


Just to disagree here. I'm hoping for a better balance between phone and pda than the XDA 2. However if I wanted to go phone first I would go for the mp220.

Surur

[TheZodiac]

I think the photo stinks! :)

Seriously, I would have rathered an arial shot, opened and closed next to several of the popular devices mentioned. I think the hinge is too gimicky and will probably weaken with time. Even though they usually do, this seems to pull double duty. Ill wait for the next one. I think the slider design of the MDAIII is a better choice, though, thats one big ass phone. Im thinking a perfect balance is a Treo Ace, or a BenQ P50. Mechanisms hideing keyboards and trying to conserve space are just not my game. Id rather have it ready to go all the time without sliding, twisting or flipping. I really love these ideas though, makes other OEMs take notice and apply these techniques into future designs - all the way around the concept is neat, and hopefully will only pave the way for more interesting things in the future. For me, the first device is usually a bastard child anyway, when it comes to radical designs like this. Anyway, nice article.

[Ryan Joseph]

Let me throw out a question here. For all those of you drooling over this device, what do you think of having the keyboard always there?

I've made this point before, but it bears repeating. I like being able to hold my PPC in one hand, but it looks like that'll be dificult with the MPx because there's no way to fold the keyboard away. I think a design like this (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29227) would be better because you can either use it as a phone, or fold the keyboard behind and use it like a standard PPC.

I don't like the design of the MPx because of this. I'm curious what everyone else thinks, though.

[brianchris]

Although I may be oversimplifying things, it appears that most people in this thread disagree about form vs. function. For me, function is more important. Yes, there is little symmetry, yes the keyboard is busy and always there (doesn't fold away), some may even not like the color, etc. etc. BUT, its WM2003 SE in a ground breaking form factor. It can be used as a flip phone, OR a landscape text device, 802.11b, Bluetooth, etc. etc. What it lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up for in features. But that's just my opinion.

And less you think I don't care about aesthetics, you should look at Sidetalkin.com ( http://www.sidetalkin.com/photos.html ). For those unfamiliar, its a site to satire Nokia's first nGage phone, which had to be held sideways from the head to talk on the phone (the new nGage remedies that embarrassing feature). Freakin funny.

[PPCMD]

I have read through and continue to keep up with the Howard Forums thread on the MPx and the member who has the device has provide some very positive feedback on the design ease of use, phone via buttons or on screen. Since it has BT you can use a BT headset and not have to open it. I the like the use of the dual hinge and in all the years of cellphone use I haven't had a hinge break form Moto so I am not too worried. Also there is the warranty and insurance to cover it. For $700-1000 range a nice holster case and I figure moto will include one but no way its going out there with no protection.

The final decision as always needs to be based on each persons up close and personal experiences. Yes I want one, but I don't see me ordering one from overseas if Moto got brain dead and decided not to give a US launch. I don't spend $1,000 with out the opportunity to touch a device first.

[rzanology]

atlease you're willing to spend $1000. Look maaaan...the phones design is ugly but the form factor makes it beautiful. It screams business aka I GOT MONEY! Its simply a marvel.....touch screen??? not ppc phone ediction but full blown ppc 2003 se???...built in keyboard??? This is what we've all been waiting for! Break bank people...the summer will be good to us all! Only thing i think we have to worry about is...with a mpx and 4700, will they both get the same amout of love? hmmmmm

[brianchris]

not ppc phone ediction but full blown ppc 2003 se???

Glad you like the device as well. Just some clarification though for others (or for myself, as I may be wrong or mis-understood your post):

- The PPC Phone Edition OS is a *superset* of the PocketPC OS, meaning the Phone Edition OS has everything the Pocket PC OS has, plus more to facilitate phone functionality.
- The OS that ships on the MPx will be Windows Mobile (PPC) 2003 Second Edition Phone Edition (quite a mouthfull).

Of course, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[IpaqMan2]

I think what's important to remember about this device is...
It's a phone First! Than everything else second.


Just to disagree here. I'm hoping for a better balance between phone and pda than the XDA 2. However if I wanted to go phone first I would go for the mp220.

Surur

Let me point out that what you are disagreeing on is your own likes and dislikes of the MPx, not that Motorola wanted to design a mobile phone first. With that in mind, I would say it's safe to assume that Motorla was not looking to please the few, but sell to the Masses. Of course MPx may be a little clunky as a PDA in it's form factor, but I find the same true for almost all the current smartphones out today, that they also feel extremely ackward and too delicate as a mobile Phone. I personally find that I would use the MPx as a moile phone when needed with out that loss of feel, and still manage to deal with the ackwardness of a PDA acceptably.

[huangzhinong]

I am happy so many people have the similar view as mine: This device is too ugly. I can't even find any plain surface in this designing, maybe the LCD is the only flat part in this phone.

But anyway, just my personal opinion, no offence.

[Phoenix]

Well I suppose in any market there are going to be the likes and the likes not. Personally this unit is a horror and has all the finess and style of a Lada! What ever happened to design aesthetics? And that hinge (whilst ingenious in its function) is a great clunky horror. I cant understand the fuss about this unit. :?

I'm a real proponent of this device, which is obvious by my commentary about it from time to time. So again, I have to disagree here. Especially after closely following the thread over at Howard Forums. The more I see of this device, the more beautiful I think it is. I think the design aesthetics are great. Also, people are fussing over this device because of its features and flexibility - Moto has managed to cram so much tech into this device, along with its dual-viewing modes, it makes for an amazing unit. That's not something you see ever. So it's created a huge following already.

I think what's important to remember about this device is...

It's a phone First! Than everything else second...

...I am guessing that this is the approach that Motorola is taking since they are really not a PPC OEM...

I read everything you wrote and am inclined to agree at least in part with you. Moto is indeed a phone designer/manufacturer first and foremost, but although this is true, and regardless of what Moto meant this device to be, to me, I think the MPx blurs the lines between PPC and cell phone. I don't think it's either a phone first and PPC second, or vice versa because of how it's been designed. I think the best convergence devices will blur these lines, and keeping in mind that there are only a few ways that this could be done, I believe the MPx has acheived this.

...I think the hinge is too gimicky and will probably weaken with time...

I don't think it will. At least it doesn't appear that way to me. I've never had a Moto hinge break on me and everything about this device I believe is tip top. I have a hard time believing that Moto would put out a design/device of this caliber that couldn't withstand daily use over long periods.

********************************

Naturally, it's not surprising that we all differ in our opinions. For those who really love the design, aesthetics, features, and so on, the MPx will serve that crowd well.

For me, I couldn't be happier with how Moto designed it. Looking at the Howard Forums thread just reinforces daily how much I'll enjoy carrying it when I can actually get my hands on one permanently.

There are only so many ways that a person could design a device like this, and although Moto has some tweaking to do with the device before it's released, I believe that initially, they struck the finest chord in terms of balancing power, features, design, aesthetics, and flexibility, that they could have. Providing that Moto continues on its developmental migration path of the MPx, this device will only get better.

As for me, I applaud Moto for what they've done - an amazing job.

Now lets hope that for those of us who want one, we'll actually be able to obtain one without having to wait six months!

:clap:

[erickbryce]

Wow it's like night and day. This forum is very Anti-MPX and Howard forums is very Pro-MPX. In all due respect the MPX has nearly a quarter to half a million people who already cant wait to buy one. That's a pretty loud statment regardless of each of our likes or dislikes. If I had to place a bet at this point based only on what I see on the net Moto has a winner here and I'd have to place my money on the majority vote. On the other hand the PPC world offers many options. For the majority of the consumer market it looks like the MPX is going to be a big hit. For the lesser part of the market I think the iPAQ 6300 PDA Phone or PDA Bluetooth bonding solution will fill the missing gap. But thats the big PRO about PPC devices is like Mother said, there's a special PDA out there for each and everyone of we just have to find it :roll: :wink:

[Janak Parekh]

Wow it's like night and day. This forum is very Anti-MPX and Howard forums is very Pro-MPX.
Nah - there are a lot of "pro-MPx" folks here. I'm sure if you wander around in the Nokia forum over at HowardForums, there'll be plenty of people that lambast the MPx too. ;)

--janak